a colossal event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a colossal event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event of great significance, size, or impact. Example: "The launch of the new space telescope was a colossal event in the field of astronomy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"This is such a colossal event, with such economic and social impact, that perhaps it would be appropriate to look at a commission of unimpeachable credentials, more unimpeachable for their integrity than their technical expertise," he said.

The New York Times

They have evolved a defensive, careful formal language of their own, which other New Yorkers only occasionally overhear... Alan Leidner, who is the head of geographic-information systems for the city, and the father of the Map, spoke about what the Map could do... Tfhe Map has not yet got a lot of P.R., partly because it is a colossal event only in the geographic-information-systems world.

The New Yorker

They have evolved a defensive, careful formal language of their own, which other New Yorkers only occasionally overhear... Alan Leidner, who is the head of geographic-information systems for the city, and the father of the Map, spoke about what the Map could do... Tfhe Map has not yet got a lot of P.R., partly because it is a colossal event only in the geographic-information-systems world..

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And yet, while all this has been going on, an event has gone completely unnoticed, a huge, colossal event, one which, in the long run, can redraft the map of the planet, and one which this shadow theater nonetheless conceals from view.

Huffington Post

Safety is a colossal issue.

The New York Times

But, overall, the initial market reaction to a colossal political event is surely: it could have been worse.

The Guardian - Business

We were a few of the several hundred who had gathered for the rescheduled colossal event.

Huffington Post

This colossal event, staged in the specially built Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, was full of new-gothic, neo-Renaissance, neo-everything nightmares of bad design and ponderous art.

The Guardian - Arts

They also play an essential role putting together colossal events like the Olympic Games.

New Scientist

As the Commonwealth Games in Delhi unfold, it is worth asking whether the aggravation and scrutiny that come with staging such colossal events is worth the time, money and effort.

The New York Times

Superior set pieces continue to sustain this most dumbly enjoyable of franchises: a terrifying aerial plunge into Azerbaijan precedes a colossal show of event-movie willy-waggling in Abu Dhabi, trouncing Mission: Impossible 4's rearrangement of the Dubai skyline.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a colossal event" to emphasize the scale, impact, or importance of an occurrence. It's particularly effective when describing something that is both large and significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a colossal event" to describe everyday or insignificant happenings. This can diminish the phrase's impact and create a sense of hyperbole where it's not needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a colossal event" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "colossal" modifies the noun "event". It describes the event as being extremely large, impressive, or significant. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a colossal event" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an event of significant size, impact, or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively neutral in register, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the event genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor to avoid hyperbole. Alternatives such as "a monumental occasion" or "a significant happening" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monumental occasion

Replaces "event" with "occasion" and "colossal" with "monumental", suggesting an event of historical significance.

a significant happening

Substitutes "colossal" with "significant", focusing on the importance rather than the size.

a tremendous occurrence

Uses "tremendous" as a synonym for "colossal", highlighting the event's impact.

a gigantic undertaking

Uses "gigantic" to emphasize the immense scale and effort required.

a massive undertaking

Shifts the focus to the effort and scale of the project rather than the event itself.

a landmark celebration

Emphasizes the celebratory aspect while still conveying importance.

a remarkable phenomenon

Replaces "colossal" with "remarkable" suggesting the event is noteworthy and impressive.

an extraordinary phenomenon

Highlights the unusual and remarkable nature of the event.

a grand affair

Focuses on the elaborate and impressive nature of the event.

an imposing spectacle

Highlights the visual impact and impressiveness of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "a colossal event" in a sentence?

You can use "a colossal event" to describe something of great significance or size, such as "The Olympic Games are "a colossal event" that draws global attention".

What are some alternatives to "a colossal event"?

Alternatives include "a monumental occasion", "a significant happening", or "a massive undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a colossal event"?

It's appropriate when describing events that are genuinely large in scale, impact, or importance. Avoid using it for minor or everyday occurrences.

Is "a colossal event" formal or informal?

"A colossal event" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's generally more common in news reporting or descriptive writing than in casual conversation.